Thoughts on non-chemical indigo dyeing

A. Indispensable.

1. Motivation/Motivation
   Information: Internet, books, videos, going directly to the site to see and experience it, going to training sessions, seeing exhibitions, etc. Please do a lot of things.
   It would be a good idea to thoroughly learn the chemical principles behind indigo color development (on the internet, in Kazuki Yamazaki's picture books, etc.).

2. Intuition, sense, feeling, own way, own particularity
   When you acquire a lot of information, you will realize that it is too diverse, that there are contradictions among the pieces of information, and that there is a lot of inappropriate information. I have never come across any book or information that has a foolproof method. After that, you have no choice but to make your own decisions.

3. The Indigo's premise
   Indigo dyeing is not "coloring". It's different from paint. 1+1=2 is not true. It can also be 1+1=0. Because:
   Indigo dyeing is the act of obtaining indigo color from microorganisms through fermentation with the help of microorganisms.
   You may find numerical values listed in books, internet, etc., but please understand that these are for reference only.
   pH, temperature, humidity, brightness, atmospheric pressure...the numerical values are just a guideline.
   The important thing to be fully aware of this is to have a dialogue with the "Indigo" in front of you, to have a close relationship with the "Indigo" in front of you, and to listen to the voice of the "Indigo" in front of you. Decide for yourself what the "Indigo" in front of you wants.
   Through trial and error, discover your instincts, senses, feelings, your way of doing things, and your preferences. Make a lot of mistakes and learn from them.

B. Preconditions for indigo construction (being in a state where it can be dyed).

1. Making/obtaining Sukumo(蒅) of indigo plants: dye made of well-fermented indigo leaves.
   To make and obtain well-fermented and precipitated indigo(沈澱藍).
   To do this, it is necessary to cultivate indigo plants properly and to obtain high-quality materials that are close to natural materials (Sukumo(蒅), water, lime, wood ash, wheat bran(麬), etc.). Be sure to recognize that indigo is not a material, but a living thing. Work at the best time. Precipitated indigo(沈澱藍) is grown in the summer, and Sukumo(蒅) is grown in late autumn to winter.
   For specific and detailed know-how, please refer to books, the Internet, etc.

C. Key points of making the Indigo of well-fermented dyeing liquid( Making dyed state) AiDate(藍建て).

1. pH... The numerical value is unimportant. There is a range of 9 to 12/3, so judge from the indigo in front of you. I have dyed it at pH 9.

2. Temperature: Too hot or too cold is not good. The number is unimportant. I have dyed it at about 10 degrees.

3. Stirring...The number of times is unimportant. Swapping the top and bottom.

4. Nutrition: Wheat bran(麬) (boiled in lye (wood ash mixed with water, heated, stirred, and left to stand overnight)), shellfish ash, etc.

D. Key points for managing the "Indigo" of well-fermented dyeing liquid(建った藍液:AiGame(藍瓶).
Sometimes it is necessary to stay on track and wait patiently. I have experienced that it was once built by stirring every morning and evening for a month.
All you have to do is judge the condition of the Indigo in front of you. Visual inspection, licking, skin sensation, fragrance/ smell.